Search form

February 2013 10,000 Fresh Voices Archives

The Minnesota gray wolf, also called the timberwolf, is a symbol of the Northland. Featured in artwork, on logos, and as the state’s basketball mascot, wolves are part of the landscape. In 2012, the Department of Natural Resources instituted its first wolf hunt in nearly 40 years, creating controversy among those who believe wolves should be protected.

The Friends Bookstore in Minneapolis is a treasure trove of gently used and inexpensive books. Operated by the Friends of the Library, books are acquired from donations and from the public library. The store is located behind Dunn Bros Coffee in the downtown Central Library.

The Joyful Noise Choir includes 19 clients from Lifeworks—a Minnesota nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities. One of four music therapy programs, the Joyful Noise Choir helps clients develop their musical abilities while learning life skills. KFAI producer Katey DeCelle has the story.

For more than 30 years, Larry Havluck has been a busker, or street musician, performing in downtown Minneapolis skyways, on the U of M campus, and occasionally in cafes and clubs. Openly gay, the Native American guitarist/singer/songwriter uses music to express political, satirical and social justice themes. Produced for KFAI by Dixie Treichel.

In the basement of a Powderhorn Park duplex, original artwork is displayed in a fully functional printmaking studio—the home base of Living Proof print collective. This group of six college friends showcase their artwork, and share skills and materials with those interested in printmaking.

Max Gold is not your typical truck driver. Like many young people these days he’s had a hard time finding a job—even with a college degree. Tired of working in food service, he got a trucking license and took to the open road. But life on the highway has many challenges—especially for a transgender guy with big dreams. Producers Barbara Jean Meyers and Melissa Koch ride along with Max on an interstate run from St. Paul to Kansas City and back.

Sledding is a part of Minnesota culture. If you grew up here, chances are you’ve flown down a hill at top speed—and were hopefully lucky enough to make it to the bottom unscathed. For the last six years during the dead of winter, art and sledding have brought people together in Powderhorn Park.

Ojibwe Elder Sharon Day was born and raised in Minnesota. As a Midewin, part of her spiritual practice is to care for water. In 2003 Sharon Day, Josephine Madamin and other Anishinawbe women began Mother Earth Water Walks to bring awareness about water issues. By walking long distances with water and praying for it with each step, the women raise awareness about how water is connected to our lives. The Mother Earth Water Walkers hold a large annual Water Walk, inviting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to participate. On March 1, 2013, Sharon Day leads the Mississippi River Water Walk from the river’s headlands to the Gulf of Mexico.